How can I implement a push technology using php?

Question

I have a kind of application that must query a db at periodic intervals..I want to use push technology such that when the database is updated, the server sends data to the client..How is it possible to implement that ?

PHP is not appropriate for this, as you need to keep a request open for each client. — Ikke
– Ikke, Commented Jan 24, 2012 at 14:15
Or, you fake it by polling the server with JavaScript every few seconds. It is not a true push, but depending on the timeliness of the data, that may be okay. — Michael Berkowski
– Michael Berkowski, Commented Jan 24, 2012 at 14:21
This needs way more context since it depends a lot on the rest of the architecture, the type of client and the event that can trigger an update. — deceze
– deceze ♦, Commented Jan 24, 2012 at 14:22
I peg to disagree with PHP not being suitable - there is nothing in PHP, that makes long poll AJAX and friends unfeasable, in fact I do it all the time (update the seating plan in a ticket-selling app, when a seat has been sold at another boxoffice) — Eugen Rieck
– Eugen Rieck, Commented Jan 24, 2012 at 14:30

Eugen Rieck · Accepted Answer · 2012-01-24 14:28:34Z

3

We do this quite regularily - our way is "long polling":

From the client, start an async poll request
On the server, just keep this poll request waiting for e.g. 30secs (send a \0 or a blank every couple of seconds, if you need really long times)
When the database is updated, create some sort of event on the server side
When such an event is detected by a long-poll handler, write the resulting client notification and end the request
On the client, when an asyn poll ends, check it for notifications, work on them, then start the next long poll

answered Jan 24, 2012 at 14:28

Eugen Rieck

65.6k10 gold badges75 silver badges97 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

3 Comments

Eugen Rieck Over a year ago

Typically Apache, typically LAMP stack, typically Ubuntu Server LTS

thelastshadow Over a year ago

And you don't have trouble with long polling stealing your processes?

Eugen Rieck Over a year ago

No, no problems if you follow some simple rules: 1. Longpoll handlers should not use much memory - keep them as basic as possible until the really do some work. 2. have an eye on your connection count and tune your apache if necessary

Kumar M · Accepted Answer · 2012-01-24 14:23:22Z

-2

You can implement a web service/API using SOAP in PHP.

answered Jan 24, 2012 at 14:23

Kumar M

1285 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

How can I implement a push technology using php?

2 Answers 2

3 Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

3 Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related